Best Spinning Rod Under 200 – A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Spinning rods are among the most popular rods in the market. They’re flexible and incredibly easy to use, making them perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. But let’s face it – it’s hard to find the best spinning rod under 200 dollars.

With the growing popularity of fishing, more fishing equipment manufacturers came into existence. That allowed us to have more options to suit our different lifestyles. But with these bigger options, we often find ourselves torn between multiple choices. And that makes decision-making even harder.

Lucky for you, we’re here to make the search easier. For starters, we think that currently the best spinning rod for $200 and below right now is the TICA UGSA Spinning Rod. But we’ve also tried some of today’s promising fishing rods to help you identify the best of the best for yourself.

If you’re curious about our thoughts, read on as we review six of the best spinning rods in the market. We’ve also added informative pieces to make sure you find the perfect spinning rod for you.

How to Choose a Quality Spinning Rod

Before diving straight into our reviews, we want to start by discussing how to choose a quality spinning rod.

• Power. Power refers to the strength of the rod. It determines how well a rod can handle the size and weight of a fish. Thus, the higher the power, the heavier the fish it can handle. Keep that in mind before you simply buy the first rod you encounter.

• Action. This feature determines the bendability of the rod. Action helps us determine the sensitivity of the rod. The faster the action, the more sensitive it is whenever it manages to get a nibble.
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• Length. As the name implies, this feature refers to how long the spinning rod is. Basically, the longer the rod, the farther it can cast the line.
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• Composition. Construction refers to the primary materials used for the rod. Popular options include graphite and fiberglass. Graphite is known for its high sensitivity while being incredibly lightweight. On the other hand, fiberglass rods are exceptionally durable, although you might have to sacrifice a bit on sensitivity.
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• Construction. And finally, we have construction. This refers to the reinforcements used in constructing the rod. Different manufacturers use different reinforcements, but the most important feature you have to look into is the handle. Make sure that it gives you a comfortable grip to help you land a catch.

Comparison Factor

Spinning Rod	Rod Material	Handle Material	Length	Powor	Action	Configuration	Rings
TICA UGSA Series Surf	TC3 Graphite	Non-Slip Cork	7-12 feet	M, MH, H	Fast	1 or 2 piece	FUJI Hardloy
St. Croix Mojo Bass	SCIII Carbon	split-grip Cork	6’8″-9’6″	ML, M, MH	Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast	1 or 2 piece	Aluminum Oxide
Okuma Celilo Graphite	Graphite Composite	n/a	10 feet	ML	Fast	2 piece	Aluminum Oxide
Sougayilang Telescopic	Carbon Fiber with Fiberglass	n/a	7.97 feet	n/a	n/a	Telescopic	Ceramic
Fiblink Surf Rod	Carbon Fiber	Non-Slip Rubber	9-15 feet	M, MH, H	Moderate to Fast	2-piece	Stainless steel with ceramic
Penn Squadron Rod	Graphite	Cork or EVA	7 Feet	Medium	n/a	1 or 2 piece	n/a

Best Spinning Rod Under 200: Reviewed

Here we have reviewed the top 6 spinning rods under $200 in the market. You can choose the best rod from these products. Let’s get started.

1. TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Rod Review – Best Premium Fishing Rod

If you’re looking for the best surfing fishing rod in the market, this spinning fishing rod is for you. The TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod offers lightweight construction coupled with superior casting distances. And that can easily put other surf spinning rods to shame.

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Features and Benefits

• It is lightweight. The graphite shaft on this spinning rod makes it easy to maneuver. That allows you to cast it at notable distances.
• It offers multiple sizes and power options for its surf spinning rods. This feature allows you to go surf fishing for different types of fish and at different distances. That will hone your fishing skills.
• It comes with a non-slip handle. Considering the tricky nature of surf fishing, the non-slip handle allows you to get a good grip of the handle. This keeps you from losing a potential catch.  

Specifications

• Rod Material:  TC3 Graphite
• Handle Material: Non-Slip Cork
• Length: 7 feet to 12 feet
• Power: Medium, Medium Heavy, and Heavy
• Action: Fast
• Configuration: 1-piece or 2-piece
• Tip: FUJI Alconite
• Rings: FUJI Hardloy

Despite its intimidating specs, the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is quite user-friendly. It is quite easy to cast with accuracy, despite the considerable distances involved in surf fishing. Even if you’re a beginner, you won’t have any problems with casting this rod.

We also love how versatile it is. We’ve tried it for different types of fish on different settings, and its 10-foot rod didn’t disappoint. Whether it’s a 5-pound bluefish or a 30-pound bass, this TICA spinning rod met our expectations and more.

All of the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod variants come with a fast action construction. This feature makes the rod extra sensitive, so you never miss out on a nibble again.  

Overall, this spinning rod is one of the best in the market for its excellent maneuverability and user-friendly design. And if we factor in its wide selection of available powers and sizes, there’s no doubt that it’s the best spinning rod under 200 dollars.

Recommended Size

The recommended size for this fishing rod is its 10-inch medium-heavy variant. This spinning rod can help you catch fish that weigh around 12 to 30 pounds.

Expert Quote

“It’s a bigtime powerhouse that’s ideal for hauling in big fish from salty waves.” -MyFishingTools.com

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2. St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod Review – All-around fishing rod

For those who are running a little low on the budget, we have found the best spinning rod under 150 dollars. It’s the St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod.

This fast action spinning rod for bass uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure high sensitivity to prevent a miss. It’s also quite lightweight, and that makes it easy to maneuver and wrestle the bass with.

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Features and Benefits

• It is specifically designed to target bass. The St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod offers a technique-specific design that allows you to catch bass without fail.
• It offers an extra fast option. This makes it extra sensitive, so even the slightest nibble will alert you of a potential catch.
• The slim-profile ferrules make it easy to grip. This feature makes it perfect to get young ones started with bass fishing.
• It comes with a non-slip handle. You don’t have to worry about fighting with an aggressive bass – the handle guarantees a solid grip.

Specifications

• Rod Material: SCIII Carbon
• Handle Material: split-grip Cork
• Length: 6 feet and 8 inches to 9 feet and 6 inches
• Power: Medium Light, Medium, and Medium-Heavy
• Action: Moderate, Fast, and Extra Fast
• Configuration: 1-piece or 2-piece
• Rings: Aluminum Oxide

Coming from a brand like St. Croix, we had a lot to expect from this spinning rod. Thankfully, it exceeded all of it.

It has a durable SCIII Carbon construction that makes it durable yet surprisingly lightweight. This feature makes it easy to maneuver, while the carbon’s sensitivity allows for a better fishing style.

So far, we’ve tried it for freshwater bass fishing, and we’ve encountered no issues with it. it’s quite easy on the hands, so reeling a tough bass in wasn’t a problem at all.

Out of all its features, we especially love the Kigan Master Hand 3D Guides.  We’ve had our fair share of tangled lines, and this feature made tangles feel like a thing of the past. As a result, casting and reeling in is a breeze.

For its impressive technology and bass-centered design, there’s no doubt that the St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod is the best bass fishing spinning rod in the market.

Recommended Size

The recommended size for the St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod is the 7 foot and 1-inch rod. It has a capacity ranging between 8 to 14 pounds of bass.

Expert Quote

“I enjoyed this rod – it’s really sensitive and has plenty of backbone.” -Ryan’s Bass Fishing (Youtube)

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3. Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods Review – Best Value fishing rod

Another top contender for the best spinning rod under 150 is the Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods. With its premium construction and sensitivity, it’s easy to see why it’s the best salmon spinning rod on the market.

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Features and Benefits 

• It offers far casting. This 10-foot rod allows you to cast the line at impressive distances without worrying about tangles or accuracy.
• It is lightweight. It comes with a graphite composite blank that’s known for being lightweight. This makes it easy to manage – which is great, considering its impressive length.
• It is sensitive. Graphite is known for its superior sensitivity, and that makes it perfect for salmon fishing.

Specifications

• Rod Material: Graphite Composite
• Length: 10 feet
• Power: Medium Light
• Action: Fast
• Configuration: 2-piece
• Rings: Aluminum Oxide

While the Okuma Celilo Spinning Rod is marketed for salmon fishing, we were able to catch different species with it. We found it to be quite versatile – as long as the catch falls within the recommended line weight.

We also love that it has a long handle. This feature makes it easy to grip, even if you must use both hands.

The Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods comes with a graphite composite blank. This material combines the sensitivity of graphite with the durability of composite material. And that’s like having the best of both worlds.

Recommended Size:

The recommended size for this 10-foot spinning rod is between 4 to 12 pounds of line rating.

Expert Quote:

“[It] casts well and brought in [a] 12-pound halibut.” -Hook2Cook (Verified Amazon Review)

best fishing rod for saltwater and freshwater

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4. Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod Review – Best for beginners

For those who are looking for a handy telescopic spinning rod, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod comes highly recommended. With its superior portability and durability, it’s impossible to believe how affordable it is. And that’s why we believe it’s the best spinning rod under 100 dollars.

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Features and Benefits

• It comes with multiple accessories.
• The rod is made of durable carbon fiber with fiberglass.
• The ceramic ring guide offers excellent heat dissipation.
• It comes with a convenient carrying case.

Specifications

• Rod Material: Carbon Fiber with Fiberglass
• Length: up to 7.97 feet
• Configuration: Telescopic
• Rings: Ceramic

The Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod is one of the best saltwater spinning rods for the money. For its price, you get everything you need to get started with fishing. It even comes with a carrying case to make it extra travel-friendly.

Thanks to its carbon fiber and fiberglass construction, it can be used to fish in both saltwater and freshwater environments. This material is also quite durable, so you know it’s bound to last for a long time. That makes it the best fishing rod for saltwater and freshwater.

Thanks to its ceramic rings, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod boasts excellent heat dissipation. As a result, reeling in a catch feels smooth and hassle-free. We also haven’t experienced any tangles, and that’s definitely a bonus.

Recommended Size

Depending on the line you use, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod can catch fish of up to 40 pounds.

Expert Quote

“It’s quick, it’s sharp, and it’s strong. Reeling it in is smooth.” -Fishing With Austin (Youtube)

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5. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Review – Best for Budget

If you’re looking for an affordable surf fishing rod, then we believe the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is perfect for you. For its price, you get a stylish carbon fiber rod that’s surprisingly sensitive. No wonder it’s a top contender for the best spinning rod under 100.

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Features and Benefits

• It boasts premium construction.
• It is highly sensitive.
• It offers a wide variety of sizes.

Specifications

• Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
• Handle Material: Non-Slip Rubber
• Length: 9 feet to 15 feet
• Power: Medium, Medium Heavy, and Heavy
• Action: Moderate to Fast
• Configuration: 2-piece
• Rings: Stainless steel mixed with ceramic

If there’s a fishing rod that caught us by surprise, it’s the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod. We didn’t expect much from it, considering its affordable price – and we were proved wrong.

It has a sturdy carbon fiber blank that promises unparalleled durability. Surprisingly, this material also offers a great deal of sensitivity, and that allows you to keep getting a catch.

With a length range of 9 to 15 feet, you’re sure to cast the line at impressive distances. Without a doubt, this is probably the best 2-piece spinning rod we’ve ever tried.

We also love how versatile the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is. Depending on the size and the line you use, you can catch a variety of fish. We’ve tried it with trout, and we’re convinced that it’s the best spinning rod for trout as well.  

Recommended Size

The 10-foot Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod has a capacity of around 15 to 30 pounds. For the 15-inch variety, it can withstand a weight of up to 40 pounds.

Expert Quote

“[It] is not just a great pole, but it is [also] of great quality.” ReelChase (Blogspot)

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6. Penn Squadron Spinning Rod Review – Most User-friendly

The Penn Squadron Spinning Rod is perhaps the most affordable yet competitive spinning rod in the market. While it’s not the most amazing product on this list, it still contains decent features which are impressive for its price. That’s why we believe it’s the best spinning rod under 50.

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Features and Benefits

• It comes with a graphite blank. Graphite is known for its impressive sensitivity, so you don’t have to worry about a missed opportunity again.
• It is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Because of the graphite construction, the Penn Squadron Spinning Rod remains to be lightweight. This makes it easy to maneuver, especially when you’ve got a nibble.
• It is designed for accuracy. This inshore spinning rod has a length of 7 feet. This length allows you to cast with impressive accuracy, so you can launch the line to your target with ease.

Specifications

• Rod Material: Graphite
• Handle Material: Cork or EVA
• Length: 7 Feet
• Power: Medium
• Configuration: 1-piece or 2-piece

For an entry-level spinning rod, the Penn Squadron Spinning Rod is packed with impressive features. First is its graphite blank, known for its sensitivity and being lightweight. And second is its decent length that helps improve casting accuracy.

Because of how easy it was to use, we didn’t have a hard time landing a catch. Even when we were just a few meters from the shore, reeling in after a nibble came quite easy. With that said, it’s easy to see why experts believe that the Squadron is the best inshore spinning rod.

There’s not much difference between Squadron II and Squadron III in terms of length and aesthetics. But upon trying them both at the same time, the faster action on the Squadron III is hard to ignore. 

Also, the Squadron III now comes with more forgiving flexibility. This makes it easier to reel in a catch, as opposed to its predecessor.

Recommended Size

The recommended catch size largely depends on the rod power you choose. Nevertheless, the average range is around 4 to 20 pounds – not bad for a graphite rod.

Expert Quote

“Everything the no-frills kayak angler needs for a great day on the flats or bay.” – YakAnglker.com

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Spinning Rod

Now that you know our top six picks, here are factors to consider helping you narrow down your choices.

Durability

First is the durability of the spinning rod. This factor has so much to do with the material and overall construction of the rod.

When a spinning rod is durable, it can last for years to come. Even if you tend to wrestle with your catch often, the best spinning rod won’t break despite all the frequent tugging.

Quality

The second factor to consider is the quality of the spinning rod. This means that the components that go with the rod are all made of premium materials. As a result, you can be confident that all its reinforcements always work in harmony with each other.

Comfort

You should also consider how comfortable the spinning rod is to use. Remember that you must hold onto your rod for quite some time – especially when you manage to grab a nibble. You won’t be able to successfully pull the line back if you’re not comfortable with the rod.

So in terms of comfort, the biggest feature you have to look into is whether the hand offers a solid and sturdy grip. You can also consider the weight of the rod, especially if you’re a beginner.

Budget

And finally, don’t forget your budget. Don’t worry, there are a lot of budget-friendly spinning rods in the market. if you know where to look, you can find a great deal for the most sensitive rod under 200 dollars.

Best Saltwater and Freshwater Spinning Reel for the Money

If you’re looking for a reel to pair with your choice of rod, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our Kastking Sharky III Fishing Reel review for your consideration.

Kastking Sharky III Fishing Reel Review

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At only 15 ounces, the Kastking Sharky III Fishing Reel is one lightweight reel. Even if you mount it onto the lightest graphite shaft, it won’t affect the performance at all.  And it’s all thanks to its aluminum construction.

As for the bearing, KastKing expertly chose stainless steel. Aside from being durable, this material is known for being resistant to rust and corrosion. That allows you to use it for a long time, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.

While it’s quite pricey, all the benefits far outweigh the cost.

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FAQs

What are the best spinning rod brands?

Numerous brand names are gaining popularity, but the best are the ones that have successfully passed the test of time. These brands include Shimano, St. Croix, and Ugly Stik.

What is a spinning rod used for?

A spinning rod is versatile fishing equipment that helps with different fishing styles. Its bottom reel design prevents tangles, making it perfect for beginners.

What is a medium-heavy spinning rod good for?

A medium-heavy spinning rod is best for use if you prefer larger game fish. It can be used in either saltwater or freshwater environments.

What is the best length for a spinning rod?

Spinning rods come in different lengths, usually at around 5 to 9 feet. The best length should be around 6 or 7 feet. At this length, you can still cast it accurately without sacrificing comfort.

How do I know what size spinning rod to buy?

To determine your rod size, it all depends on how far you want to cast the line. Longer rods can cast the line farther but at the expense of accuracy. Conversely, shorter rods offer excellent accuracy, but you can only cast them at a limited distance.

What is the difference between spinning and spin-cast rods?

The biggest difference between these two rod types is the type of reel that mounts onto it. Spinning reels attach to the bottom of the spinning rod. Similarly, spin-cast reels attach to the top of a spin-cast rod.

How do I choose a spinning rod?

To choose the right spinning rod, look into factors such as its quality, overall construction, size, and comfort. Most importantly, make sure that it best suits your fishing style.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, these are some of the best spinning rod under 200 and, always remember that the best spinning rod will be the one that works best for you. It will be tempting to buy the most stylish or the most affordable. That will cost you more money if it’s not compatible with your fishing style. And we don’t want that to happen.

So to conclude, here is a quick summary of our reviews for your reference.

Overall, our top choice is the TICA UGSA Series Spinning Fishing Rod. Aside from its top-notch quality, it offers an impressive performance that made us feel like a pro.

For those who prefer a fast-action rod, the St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod is the best option. On the other hand, the Okuma Celilo Graphite Spinning Rod is perfect for salmon fishing.

For frequent travelers, the Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod is a suitable companion. If you’re after impressive rod lengths, nothing does it better than the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod. And for the best value for money, nothing beats the Penn Squadron Spinning Rod.

Happy Fishing!